Real Actions

Gestures, often done by Italians with the arm and hand turned down. The movements people have in their actions can be noted in two ways, or two states: some are simple or straightforward, others are double or combined. A single movement or action occurs, for example, when a figure bends backward or forward without requiring more for its deed. A double or mixed action is when a body wants to adjust itself for an action or task, making it at the same time downward and to the side or elsewhere, bending into a movement at once. Thus, in beautiful and graceful actions, we often see two, three, or more movements at the same time. The more clearly this is seen, the more realistic the sculpture appears. A sculpture can sit gracefully, with the upper body and hip inclined slightly to one side; knees positioned differently, legs and feet properly spread; hands typically working in the opposite direction; and the head and face turned to the opposite side of the chest, as if speaking, listening, or doing something else. In particular works, the eyes must accompany the hands so that the sculpture truly works attentively. In seated figures, it must be noted that knees should never be squeezed together nor feet awkwardly placed. This would make sitting very difficult and uncomfortable, and one cannot hold it for long in life either, unless there is enough space to keep the feet unimpeded.